Cystic Fibrosis Christmas Tree festival lands at Wellington Airport

A forest of 65 Christmas trees has sprouted at Wellington Airport, transforming the terminal in support of families living with cystic fibrosis (CF) in Wellington. Generous businesses, community groups, and individuals are sponsoring trees as part of the annual Cystic Fibrosis Christmas Tree Festival which raises vital funds for the CFNZ Wellington Branch.

CF is the most common life-threatening genetic condition affecting Kiwis, with more than 600 people living with CF in New Zealand. It often means a life-long and demanding daily regime of lung clearance and medication, regular medical check-ups, hospitalisations, and in some cases, lung transplantation.

Life with CF can be especially tough on families at Christmas with extra treatment and unplanned hospital stays. 

Funds raised by the Christmas Tree Festival help Cystic Fibrosis NZ (CFNZ) provide practical, emotional, and physical support to the CF community through:

• A team of social workers that visit and support families in their homes and medical settings.
• Wrap-around support for parents with a newborn baby.
• Keeping families together during hospitalisations by providing support with parking, meals, and travel.
• Helping with essential expenses to ease financial pressure like groceries, additional prescriptions, and power bills.
• Empowering people with CF to manage their condition through the Breath4CF physical exercise grants to support lung health.
• Providing mental health support through counselling to help with resilience and emotional wellbeing.
• Delivering extra comfort and care when it’s needed to families going through transplants and to those who need support with end-of-life care.

Cystic Fibrosis Christmas Tree festival lands at Wellington Airport

Cystic Fibrosis Christmas Tree festival lands at Wellington Airport

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Simone Brown, Executive Lead at Cystic Fibrosis NZ says: “While many people and businesses are winding down, ready for a restful holiday break, life with cystic fibrosis doesn’t rest – it doesn’t stop over the silly season. For some, family gatherings and festivities pose extra risks, with additional precautions needed."

“In its 11th year, we’re incredibly grateful to Wellington Airport and every sponsor who makes the Wellington Christmas Tree Festival possible. The magic of the trees, the shimmer of baubles, and the joy this festival brings mean more than beautifully curated displays – they represent hope and support for an incredible community."

“The festival not only shines twinkling lights on our community, but it also helps raise vital funds – funds that provide practical and emotional support when families need it most. From keeping loved ones together during unplanned hospital admissions to easing financial pressures, the generosity and support of sponsors and travellers from near and far continue to make a real difference." 

“Our work never stops, and our community’s needs are as diverse as ever. We are there through it all, and we’re proud that Wellington Airport continues to stand with us year after year.”

Jo Maxwell, Manager Brand and Sponsorship at Wellington Airport says:  “This year we have a record number of trees in the terminal, thanks to our generous sponsors and volunteers. “This is a cause close to our heart at the airport and one we’ve proudly supported for 11 years now." 

“As well supporting an important cause, it also creates a fantastic Christmas atmosphere in the terminal that our travellers love.” 

Wellington Airport is once again providing a $10,000 advertising package for the first placed tree as judged by a local artist. The public can also vote at the airport for the ‘People’s Choice’ category with the winner receiving a $5,000 advertising package."

Every vote cast goes in the draw to win a $500 shopping spree, and kids can win a $250 prize pack by designing their own tree.